The bill would make it a misdemeanor to post intimate photos with the intent to cause emotional distress. It carries a fine of up to $1,000, and as long as six months in jail.

However, some victims of revenge porn believe the bill does not go far enough because it does not crack down on the distribution of so-called "selfies," increasingly popular photos that people take of themselves.

"It’s kind of bittersweet," Holly Jacobs said. "I’m glad to see that legislators are taking this issue seriously, but it’s drafted in a way that won’t protect most victims."

Jacobs, a Florida graduate student, founded Cyber Civil Rights Initiative to fight revenge porn after her ex of 3 1/2 years posted nude photos of her online after their breakup.

Former Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness said the bill is a step in the right direction, but should cover "selfies" and involve harsher punishment.

"Those so-called selfies are produced at the request of recipients," he said. "Therefore, that goes back to what I believe creates an expectation of privacy. I don’t think it’s very effective. I don’t think it’s going to have the desired impact."